The Labor enquirer., 1887-07-16
THE kslGnrs or LAsoR.
Fysanbls and Declaration 81 Principles
sf This Great and 0rewtnG
Order ef fWsrkingRsn.

eS This Great and 0rewtAG
Order q wsrkinsnsn.
The alarming development and Aggressive-
uess Of great capitalists and corporations, un-
les checked, will inevitably lead 70 the
pauperisation and hopeless degradation Of
NE toilIng masses.
Il n imperative, II We desire 70 enjoy the
full blessings OF life, that check be placed
upor unjust accumulation, and the power for
evil of aggregated wealth.
This much-desired object can be accom-
piished only by the united efforts OF those
Who obev the divine Injunction. ain the
sweat OF thv face shalt thou eat bread"
Therefore We have formed the Order OF
KnightA o Labor. for the purpose OF organiz-
ing and directing the power Of the industrial
masses. not - political party, for 1t Is more
In Il are erystalixed sentiments and meas
ures for the benefit OF the whole people, but
II should be borne In mind, when exercising
the right OF suffrage, that most Of the objects
hereln vet forth can only be obtained through
legislation and that II Is the duty OF all TO as
sist in nominating and supporting with their
votes only such candidates as Will pledge
their support to those measures, regardless OF
party. But no one shall, however, be COM
pelled TO vote with the majority, and calling
upon oil Who believe In securing "the greatest
good 10 the greatest number" to join and as
sist us, we declare ~ the world that our aims
are:
I. To make industrial and moral worth, not
wealth, the true standard OF individual and
National greatness.
II. To secure 10 the workers the full enjoy
ment OF the wealth they create, SUFFICIENT
leisure In which TO develop their intellectual,
moral and social faculties; all Of the benefits,
recreation and pleasures OF association; In
word, 70 enable them TO share In the gains
and honors OF advancing civilization.
In ordcr 10 secure these results, we demand
OF tho STATE;
i'll. The establishment OF Bureaus Of Labor
Statistics, that we may arrive at correct ,
knowledge OF the educational, moral and H. /!
nancial condition ofthe laborins f.s:.ssses.
~. That The public lands, the heritage OF
tho people. be Ycserved for actual settlers; not
another acre for railroads or spectators, and
that all lands now held for speculative pur-
poses be taxed TO their full value.
v. The abrogation OF all laws that do not
bear equally upon capital and labor, and the
removal OF unjust technicalities. delays and
determinations In the.adninistration OF
justice.
vi. Tho adoption OF measures providing
for the health and safety OF those engaged In
mining. manufacturing and building indus
tries, and for indemnificationt 10 those engaged
therein for injuries received through lack OF
necessary safeguards.
VII The recognition by Incorporation, OF
trades, unions, orders, and such other associa.
tions as may be organized by the working
masses TO improve their condition and pro-
tect their rights.
VIII. The enactment OF laws to compel
corporations TO pay their employees weekly.
In lawful money, for the labor OF the preced- /
ing week, and giving mechanics and laborers
nrst Len upon the product of their labor 10
the extent OF their full wages.
TX. The abolition Of the contract system on |
National, state and Municipal works.
X. The enactment OF laws providing for ar |
bitration between employers and employed,
and To enforce the decision OF the arbitrators. |
xI. The prohibition by law OF the employ
mont OF children under IS years OF age In
workshops, mines and factories.
XII. To prohibit the hiring out OF convict
labor.
XIII. That q graduated income tax be
levieo.
And we demand at the hands OF CsNGREss:
XIV. The establishment OF National mou- |
etary system, In which circulating medium |
In necessary quantity shall Issue direct 10 the |
people. without the Intervention OF banks:
that all the National issue shall be full legal |
tender in payment OF all debts, public and |
guarantee or recognize any private banks, or |
create any banking corporations.
XIV. That interest bearing. bonds. bills OF
credit or notes shall never be issued by the
Government. but that. when need arises. the |
emergency shall be met by issue OF legal ten
der, non.Interest- bearing money.
XVI. That the importation OF foreign labor
under contract be prohibited.
XVII. That, In connection with the post. |
once. the Government shall organize imam
cial exchanges, safe deposits and facilities for
QtVurit VI hht rANiuss VI Nht HCol'lt III nmhli
sums.
XVIII. That the Government shall obtain
possession. by purchase, under the rights oil
eminent domain, OF all telegraphs, telephones
and railroads, and that hereafter no charter
or license be issued to any corporation for
construction or operation OF any means OF
transporting intelligence, passengers oi
freight
And while making the foregoing demands
upon the State and National Government, We
will endeavor 10 associate our own labors;
XIX. To establish cooperative institution
such as will tend to supercedc the wage sys-
tenn, by the Introduction OF n cooperative in
dustrial system.
nv ~